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Palm Returns, in Both Plain and Less Plain

Initially, the secret of success for the Palm hand-held computers was the ability to do a few things simply but well. Over the years, things got more complicated, including a split between the hardware and software divisions and multiple product models in the Tungsten and Zire lines.

Now the Palm-only name is back with two new models, the Palm TX and the Palm Z22.

The TX, at left above, is the high-end model previously represented by the Tungsten line, but at a reduced price, $299, about $100 cheaper than its competitors. While it still does the basics simply, it comes with built-in Wi-Fi for wireless Web browsing and e-mailing and has Bluetooth for connecting wirelessly to accessories like headphones and keyboards. It has a built-in MP3 player and comes with Documents to Go from Dataviz for viewing and editing files in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Two new third-party applications add to its value. Avvenu (www.avvenu.com), which is free, lets you connect to your desktop computer online to get files and share them through Avvenu's servers. MobiTV (www.mobiTV.com), previously available on some mobile phones, allows you to view live TV clips over the Web. Service will be available in mid-November at a price to be determined, but the current subscription over mobile phone is under $10 a month.

The Z22, at $99, is a basic model for those who just need to stay organized. In addition to the usual functions, it lets you transfer and view photos -- though it doesn't have a built-in camera like some previous Zire models. STEPHEN C. MILLER